Phononic and Fabrinet partner to ramp production of thermoelectrics

09 Dec 2020

Optical component manufacturer and solid-state innovator work together to meet “explosive” comms market demand.

Phononic is to expand its high-volume manufacturing of thermoelectric devices.

To support the growing demand from optical communications, 5G mobile, and automotive LiDAR, Phononic, a developer of solid-state cooling and heating technology, is partnering with Fabrinet, which provides optical packaging and precision optical, electro-mechanical and electronic manufacturing services.

The partnership will allow Phononic to expand significantly its high-volume manufacturing capabilities beyond its existing Durham, NC, factory with Fabrinet’s manufacturing facilities in Thailand.

Strong growth in for data consumption and communications worldwide is a key driver behind Phononic’s growth in its optoelectronics business. With 12 consecutive quarters of growth, the company has forecast to increase 2020 revenues from its optoelectronics business unit by over 150% compared to 2019.

Expanding coverage

Thermoelectric devices are mission critical components needed inside many of the fiber optic transceivers that transmit optical data. Dr. Harpal Gill, President & COO of Fabrinet, said, “Phononic is disrupting the optical component space with their leading performance and power consumption savings and we are excited to help them expand and meet anticipated demand.”

“I have always seen Fabrinet as a significant expansion partner,” said Kevin Granucci, Vice President and GM of Phononic. “We share the same customer base, so Fabrinet understands the performance and reliability standards required of products in this sector.”

This expansion is especially important in Asia-Pacific, where there is a growing customer base for Phononic’s devices. Optical communications components companies based in the region will be able to leverage Phononic’s in-continent expansion for thermoelectric devices in optical components for datacenters, high-speed coherent applications, as well as 5G mobile and access networks.

This expansion will also allow Phononic to continue delivering “disruptive and sustainable” cooling solutions for its key target sectors beyond optical communications and LiDAR: Micro fulfillment food storage and delivery, and its licensing initiatives in life sciences and healthcare, food and beverage and sustainable climate control.